Novelty Golf and Games

Anna Inabinet — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:56:43 +0000

Some friends and I discovered a little piece of vintage history right here in Chicagoland this week at Novelty Golf and Games. A far stretch from the more difficult miniature golf greens in Grant Park, Novelty Golf is full charm, character, and colorful cartoony “obstacles.” Not to mention two 18 hole courses that refused to be tamed! It’s fun to try for the holes in one, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t get one - here it’s more about fun times with your friends than masterful putts.

Novelty Golf has been in Lincolnwood for more than 50 years and (thankfully) it seems to be the exact course it was back then. Basically, it’s exactly what the miniature golf experience should be. And at $8 a round, it’s quite a deal.

In addition to miniature golf, Novelty Golf and Games also has batting cages, video games, and a restaurant. And it only took us about 30 minutes to get there by car from downtown Chicago.

Hours: Mon. - Sun., 10am to Midnight

Novelty Golf and Games
3650 West Devon Ave.
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 679-9434

All Season Farm

Anna Inabinet — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:01:34 +0000

Fall is here, and even the Windy City is noticing a chill in the air. If you’re like me, you’re scrambling around trying to get outside and enjoy the last few weeks of above-frostbite temps. Apple-picking is one fall-inspired activity that will not only get you outside, but it will get you out of the city, away from the car-horns, and back to nature.

Just an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, a trip to All Season Farm for fresh apples is fast becoming an annual autumn tradition for my husband and me (doesn’t hurt that there is a group of outlet stores between here and there, either!).

All Season Farm has 12 varieties of apples to pick, and over 7,000 apple trees. A half bushel, which is well more than any one person needs, is only $22. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and provided us a sturdy bag, a map of the orchard showing where to find each variety, and plenty of information on what apples are good for baking, making sauces, or just eating.

Next we headed up to the orchard, where we were greeted by rows and rows of apple trees. It really is beautiful, and so much fun to walk up and down the rows, picking out the perfect apples.

After choosing each and every apple with great care, I scored big at All Seasons’ farm market and grill, where I picked up some homemade apple butter and pumpkin butter, and treated myself to one of the world’s best kept secrets - warm apple donuts!! I highly recommend foregoing the packaged donuts in the market and ordering them fresh from the grill… a great way to warm up after being out in the orchard.

All Season also has a petting zoo and hay rides, and you can pick up your pumpkin just in time for Halloween while you’re there, too!

TIP: If you’re interested in picking a particular variety of apple, you should call ahead to see which apples will be in season when you plan to visit the Orchard.

All Season Farm (& Orchard)
1415 IL Route 176
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-5637

Chicago » Active Girl

Novelty Golf and Games

All Season Farm